אַשְׁמַנִּים (ash.man)
ash.man
strong
H:N-MQuick Reference
- Language
- Biblical Hebrew
- Testament
- Old Testament
- Occurrences
- 1 verses
- Root
- —
- Part of speech
- H:N-M
Word Overview
The Hebrew noun ashmanim describes people who are physically robust or "stout." It refers to those in a state of bodily vigor and strength. In the Bible, this word appears only once, in Isaiah 65:11. The context is a stark contrast between two groups of people.
Here, the term highlights a group described as "the stout" or "lusty." They are set against those who are desolate or like dead men. This juxtaposition emphasizes physical health and vitality versus emptiness and weakness. The word itself points to actual vigor in life.
Translators often render ashmanim as "the stout" or "the lusty." This choice captures the sense of fullness and strength. The verse uses this image to show a sharp divide between those who are alive and strong, and those who are spiritually or physically depleted. The word serves to underline the difference in their conditions.
Based on public-domain lexicons (Strong's, Thayer, Gesenius, Brown-Driver-Briggs and others).
What This Word Means for Your Faith
The word ashmanim appears just once in Scripture, in Isaiah 65:11, where it describes people who are physically robust or stout. It paints a picture of bodily vigor and strength, standing in stark contrast to those who feel desolate or depleted. This single occurrence reminds us that God sees both the outward appearance of health and the inner state of the heart.
When we look at our own lives, we might sometimes envy those who seem to have endless energy or physical power. Yet this verse invites us to consider what truly sustains us. It is not merely physical strength that defines our worth, but our relationship with God. Even when we feel weak or empty, His grace remains sufficient.
May you find comfort in knowing that your value does not depend on your physical condition or outward vitality. Whether you are full of energy or feeling weary, God’s love for you is constant and unchanging. He sees you fully and offers peace that surpasses all understanding.
How it's translated
How this word is rendered word-by-word in the 1 verses where it appears, by frequency.
- among the/ fat people1×
Forms in the text
The inflected forms of this word as they appear in Scripture, by frequency.
- בָּ/אַשְׁמַנִּ֖ים1×
Key Verses
-
Isaiah 59:10
We grope for the wall like the blind. Yes, we grope as those who have no eyes. We stumble at noon as if it were twilight. Among those who are strong, we are like dead men.
This verse uses the concept of being 'strong' to highlight the speaker's feeling of being like dead men among them, emphasizing a contrast between physical vigor and spiritual or emotional depletion.